The American Welfare State and Future Challanges to Black Education in the Age of Science and Technology.

Hayes, Floyd W., III

The emerging "Managerial Estate," based as it is on knowledge, services, science, and technology, with built-in theories of expendability for people considered obsolete, will increasingly force Afro-Americans and historically-black institutions of higher learning to emphasize self-reliance and self determination. Moreover, urban public schools cannot be left as underdeveloped institutions for the rapidly growing black underclass, which is becoming increasingly powerless and angry. In the midst of the clash of cultures between the declining welfare state and the emerging Managerial Estate, black institutions of higher education must contribute new, innovative, and progressive ideas. Several critical areas demand attention: (1) the need for multidisciplinary studies; (2) the significance and necessity of international studies; (3) a systematic examination of Western civilization and Judaeo-Christian culture; (4) the need to emphasize research and instruction in science and technology, as well as the social functions of science and technology, to develop scientists capable of making ethical decisions; (5) the need to become future-oriented; (6) the need to develop new leadership from within the black community; and (7) the need for increased interaction between black institutions and the black community. (CMG)